Fans can enjoy open practice, food and music at 2018 Ogden Raptors FanFest

OGDEN — The 25th season of Ogden Raptors baseball will begin with the second installment of FanFest, a kickoff event at Lindquist Field allowing fans to mingle and try to hit home runs for season tickets.

Admission is free for FanFest, which is at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 14.

A key difference from last year’s inaugural FanFest is a live team practice and post-practice availability of players. Raptors players will conclude a workout during the first hour of the event, which means fans can get their first taste of pro baseball while enjoying food and music.

The players will then join interested fans at about 7:30 p.m. for a meet-and-greet at the Hardball Cafe area on the upper third-baseline concourse.

More things to know about FanFest:

ADMISSION & FOOD

Admission is free for all. Concession and souvenir stands will be open. A free meal will be given to verified season-ticket holders.

LIVE MUSIC

Ogden-based rock-hop group Bass Mint Pros will perform live music for the crowd.

FREEBIES

The Raptors will give a free whiffle bat to the first 300 kids 10 and under who attend.

HOME RUN DERBY

The FanFest derby also returns.

Up to 25 participants can pay $25 to take 10 swings off a pitching machine, with a home run earning a pair of season tickets. Contestants must bring their own bats, but helmets will be provided.

Participants are first come, first served. Interested hitters can call 801-393-2400 to reserve a spot. If any spots are open when FanFest begins, hitters can register at the park.

In 2017, 52 participants tried their hand with four batters hitting home runs to earn season tickets.

2018 SEASON

The Ogden Raptors return as defending Pioneer League champions. The 2017 season saw a franchise-best 47 regular-season wins and the first pro baseball league championship in Ogden since 1969.

It was the best-attended season since 2011 with an average of 3,378 fans per home game. Ogden was the league-leader in attendance for the 21st straight season.

The Raptors begin the 2018 campaign Friday, June 15, with a four-game road trip to Idaho Falls.

Ogden’s first home game is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, against the Orem Owlz. That game will include postgame fireworks.